By And Large Definition
adverb
For the most part; generally.
By and large, the play was a success.
American Heritage
(set phrase, focus) Mostly, generally; with few exceptions.
It was, by and large, an unexceptional presentation.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
Origin of By And Large
Earlier to (the wind) and off it, in one direction and another (said of the manner of handling a sailing vessel) by toward large with the wind abaft the beam
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From sailing: a ship may (may not) sail well both close by the wind, and large, downwind, with sheets extended.
From Wiktionary
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